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Quick Answer: Vietnamese students who graduate from UK universities in 2026 can apply for the Graduate visa to work in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates). This visa costs £822, requires no job offer, and allows full-time work with potential pathways to permanent residence.

Understanding the UK Graduate Visa for Vietnamese Students

The UK Graduate visa represents one of the most valuable opportunities for Vietnamese students studying in Britain. Introduced in July 2021, this visa has become increasingly popular among Vietnamese graduates, with over 2,400 Vietnamese nationals receiving Graduate visas in 2025 alone. As we enter 2026, this route continues to offer Vietnamese students an excellent pathway to gain UK work experience and potentially settle permanently.

This comprehensive guide will help Vietnamese students understand every aspect of the Graduate visa application process, from eligibility requirements to long-term career prospects in the UK.

Eligibility Requirements for Vietnamese Graduates

Academic Qualifications

Vietnamese students must have successfully completed an eligible course at a UK higher education provider. This includes:

Bachelor's degree: Any undergraduate degree from a recognized UK university
Master's degree: Postgraduate taught or research programs
PhD: Doctoral programs (eligible for 3-year Graduate visa)
Other eligible qualifications: PGCE, integrated master's degrees, and certain foundation degrees

The course must be completed at an institution with a track record of compliance, which includes all major UK universities where Vietnamese students typically study, such as University of Manchester, King's College London, and University of Edinburgh.

Student Visa History

Vietnamese applicants must have held valid Student visa permission for their most recent course. This means:

You studied in the UK on a valid Student visa (formerly Tier 4)
Your visa covered the duration of your studies
You maintained valid immigration status throughout your course
You successfully completed your qualification

Timing Requirements

The application timing is crucial for Vietnamese students. You must apply:

Before your current Student visa expires
Within the application window: You can apply once your institution confirms successful completion
From within the UK: You cannot apply from Vietnam - the application must be submitted while in the UK

Application Process Step-by-Step

Documentation Required

Vietnamese students need to prepare several key documents:

Passport: Valid Vietnamese passport with at least 6 months validity
Confirmation of completion: Official letter from your UK university
Academic transcripts: Final transcripts showing successful completion
Previous visa documents: Copy of your current/previous Student visa
TB test certificate: Vietnamese nationals require tuberculosis testing
Financial evidence: Bank statements showing £1,270 maintenance funds (if required)

Online Application

The application process is entirely online:

Create UK Visas and Immigration account
Complete the application form: Provide personal details, education history, and travel information
Pay the application fee: £822 for the visa plus £1,035 annual Immigration Health Surcharge
Book biometrics appointment: At a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center
Submit supporting documents: Upload all required documentation

Processing Times

For Vietnamese applicants in 2026, typical processing times are:

Standard service: 4-6 weeks
Priority service: Available for additional £500 (1-2 weeks)
Super priority: Same-day decision for £1,000 (limited availability)

Work Rights and Opportunities

Employment Flexibility

The Graduate visa offers Vietnamese graduates exceptional work flexibility:

Any job at any skill level: Unlike other work visas, there are no restrictions on job type or salary
Multiple employers: You can work for several employers simultaneously
Self-employment: Start your own business or work as a freelancer
Voluntary work: Engage in unpaid work or volunteering

Career Sectors for Vietnamese Graduates

Vietnamese graduates have found particular success in:

Technology and IT: Software development, data analysis, cybersecurity
Healthcare: NHS roles, pharmaceutical research, medical technology
Finance: Banking, accounting, fintech companies
Engineering: Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering roles
Education: Teaching, educational technology, research positions

When searching for suitable programs that can lead to these career opportunities, Vietnamese students should find UK courses that align with high-demand sectors in the UK job market.

Salary Expectations and Living Costs

Average Graduate Salaries

Vietnamese graduates in the UK can expect competitive starting salaries:

London: £25,000-£35,000 for entry-level graduate roles
Manchester/Birmingham: £20,000-£28,000 for similar positions
Scotland/Northern England: £18,000-£25,000 for graduate roles
Technology sector: Often 20-30% higher than average graduate salaries

Managing Living Costs

For Vietnamese graduates, budgeting effectively is crucial:

London rent: £600-£1,200 per month for shared accommodation
Other cities: £400-£800 per month for similar housing
Monthly expenses: £800-£1,200 including food, transport, and utilities
Council tax: £100-£200 per month (exemption available for some students)

Pathway to Permanent Settlement

Switching to Skilled Worker Visa

Many Vietnamese graduates use the Graduate visa as a stepping stone:

Gain UK work experience: Use the 2-year period to build skills and networks
Find sponsored employment: Secure a job with a licensed sponsor
Meet salary requirements: Ensure the role meets Skilled Worker visa thresholds
Apply for Skilled Worker visa: Switch before Graduate visa expires
Pathway to settlement: Become eligible for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years

Global Talent Route

Exceptional Vietnamese graduates in specific fields may consider:

Research and academia: Outstanding researchers in science, engineering, humanities
Technology: Recognized talent in digital technology
Arts and culture: Exceptional talent in creative industries

Common Challenges and Solutions

Application Difficulties

Vietnamese students often face specific challenges:

Document translation: Ensure all Vietnamese documents are professionally translated and certified

Financial evidence: Maintain required funds in a UK bank account for 28 consecutive days before application

TB testing: Book tuberculosis tests early as appointments in Vietnam can have waiting times

Successful Vietnamese graduates recommend:

Professional networking: Join Vietnamese professional associations in the UK
Skills development: Use the Graduate visa period to gain additional certifications
Cultural adaptation: Develop understanding of UK workplace culture
Language skills: Continue improving English proficiency for better career prospects

Support Resources for Vietnamese Students

University Career Services

Most UK universities offer dedicated support:

Career counseling: One-to-one guidance for international students
Job search assistance: CV writing, interview preparation, job board access
Employer networking: Events connecting students with potential employers
Alumni networks: Connections with Vietnamese graduates already working in the UK

Vietnamese Community Organizations

Several organizations support Vietnamese professionals:

Vietnamese Professionals Network UK: Career development and networking
Vietnam-UK bilateral chambers: Business networking opportunities
Cultural associations: Social support and cultural connections

Long-term Career Planning

Vietnamese graduates should consider their long-term objectives:

Returning to Vietnam

UK work experience significantly enhances career prospects in Vietnam:

Multinational companies: UK experience valued by international firms in Vietnam
Skills transfer: Bring UK expertise to Vietnam's growing economy
Network maintenance: Keep UK professional connections for future opportunities

Permanent UK Settlement

For those choosing to stay:

Continuous residence: Maintain legal status for 5-year settlement requirement
Career progression: Focus on roles leading to promotion and salary increases
Further education: Consider additional qualifications to enhance prospects

Conclusion

The UK Graduate visa offers Vietnamese students an exceptional opportunity to launch their international careers. With careful planning, proper documentation, and strategic career choices, Vietnamese graduates can maximize this 2-year window to build successful futures in the UK. Whether your goal is gaining valuable experience before returning to Vietnam or building a permanent career in Britain, the Graduate visa provides the foundation for achieving your professional ambitions.

Key Statistics

📊 Over 2,400 Vietnamese nationals received UK Graduate visas in 2025, representing a 45% increase from the previous year

💰 The Graduate visa costs £822 plus £1,035 Immigration Health Surcharge, totaling £1,857 for Vietnamese applicants

🎓 Vietnamese PhD graduates receive 3-year Graduate visas compared to 2 years for bachelor's and master's degree holders

📈 85% of Vietnamese Graduate visa holders successfully transition to Skilled Worker visas or other long-term routes

⏰ Processing times for Vietnamese Graduate visa applications average 4-6 weeks with standard service in 2026

💼 Vietnamese graduates in London earn average starting salaries of £25,000-£35,000, 20% higher than other UK regions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for a UK Graduate visa from Vietnam?

You cannot apply for a Graduate visa from Vietnam. The application must be submitted while you are still in the UK on a valid Student visa, before it expires. You need to complete your application online through the UK government website, pay the fees, provide biometrics at a UKVCAS center in the UK, and submit all required documents including your degree confirmation from your UK university.

What is the Graduate visa and how long does it last for Vietnamese students?

The Graduate visa is a post-study work visa that allows Vietnamese graduates to work in the UK after completing their studies. It lasts for 2 years for bachelor's and master's degree graduates, or 3 years for PhD graduates. This visa provides unrestricted work rights, meaning you can work in any job at any skill level without needing employer sponsorship.

How much does the Graduate visa cost for Vietnamese students in 2026?

The total cost is £1,857 for Vietnamese students in 2026. This includes the visa application fee of £822 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 for the 2-year period. PhD students pay £1,552.50 for their 3-year IHS. Additional costs may include priority processing (£500) and tuberculosis testing required for Vietnamese nationals.

Can I switch from Graduate visa to Skilled Worker visa as a Vietnamese graduate?

Yes, switching from Graduate visa to Skilled Worker visa is a common pathway for Vietnamese graduates. You need to find a job with a UK employer who has a sponsor license, meet the skill level requirements, and earn at least the minimum salary threshold. This switch allows you to stay in the UK long-term and eventually apply for permanent residence after 5 years.

What documents do Vietnamese students need for Graduate visa application?

Vietnamese students need a valid passport, official confirmation of degree completion from their UK university, academic transcripts, current Student visa documents, tuberculosis test certificate (required for Vietnamese nationals), and potentially financial evidence showing £1,270 maintenance funds. All Vietnamese documents must be professionally translated and certified.

Do I need a job offer to apply for the UK Graduate visa?

No, Vietnamese students do not need a job offer to apply for the Graduate visa. This is one of its major advantages - you can apply based solely on completing your UK qualification. Once you have the visa, you can work for any employer, be self-employed, or even start your own business without restrictions.

Key Takeaways

✅ Vietnamese graduates can work in the UK for 2-3 years with no employer sponsorship required through the Graduate visa

✅ The application must be submitted from within the UK before your Student visa expires, costing £1,857 total

✅ Unrestricted work rights allow Vietnamese graduates to work in any job, for multiple employers, or be self-employed

✅ The Graduate visa serves as an excellent pathway to Skilled Worker visa and permanent UK settlement

✅ Vietnamese nationals must complete tuberculosis testing and may need additional document translations for their application

✅ Success rates are high, with 85% of Vietnamese Graduate visa holders successfully transitioning to long-term UK immigration routes

UK Graduate Visa for Vietnamese Students 2026: Complete Work After Study Guide